Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons

by Thabiti M. Anyabwile, BZ Cullins (Narrator)

Every church leader knows the qualifications for elders and deacons that are spelled out in the Bible, but actually finding other leaders who fulfill the biblical qualifications can be difficult.

Thabiti Anyabwile writes from his expertise as a pastor and elder, showing how to identify and reproduce legitimate leaders and willing servants throughout the ranks of the local church. Balancing thoughtful analysis of pertinent passages with thorough application for practical use in a contemporary context, Anyabwile answers the questions, “Who should we look for to lead and serve in the church?” and “What should they do to fulfill their calling?”

Genres: Leadership, Ecclesiology, Theology, Church, Christian, Christian Living, Ebooks

Audible Audio

Published April 10, 2023

About the author

Thabiti Anyabwile (MS, North Carolina State University) is a pastor at Anacostia River Church in southeast Washington, DC. He serves as a council member of the Gospel Coalition, is a lead writer for 9Marks Ministries, and regularly blogs at The Front Porch and Pure Church. He and his wife, Kristie, have three children.

Reviews

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good. And I mean, REALLY. Great call on pastors to be raising up spiritual leaders as potential future deacons and elders. As someone who has just begun to strategize how to do so with some of my mature young adult guys, this was an incredibly affirming read. And as a pastor, it was an excellent reminder of the calling to which I’ve been called.

If you are involved in ministry in any way, pick it up!

[Daniel Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful admonishing read about pastoral qualifications and expectations from Gods Word!

Quote from the book:

“approach the study as though it were the game. We will pastor the way we practice. A good elder needs to approach the study as though it were game time, because game speed in ministry requires focused, prepared, and well coached players.”

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a practical treatment and resource on elders and deacons. Anyabwile's writing is accessible, plain, and not overbearing. We often do not think of our responsibility in "finding" such men as candidates for elders and deacons. We suppose they will just appear or be brought to us ready to go, even though Paul instructed Timothy differently. How do we go about identifying and preparing men for these vital roles in the congregation? This book is written to answer that question and does so ably and practically.

The book is also useful for those already in these roles. As the author works through the various issues and qualities required of a man in these offices, you will be convicted and challenged. You will recognize places where you fall short, and, if you're like me, feel it painfully. The practical nature of the book and the advice given helps give a roadmap for identifying weaknesses and moving toward growth and faithfulness.

Pastors, deacons, and church members can all be benefited from reading this book. Men who are wrestling with these offices and calls to service will also be benefited from reading this book.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since its inception, the church has required strong leadership. What the church must avoid, however, is promoting leadership that is based on modern-day standards of personality, likeability, and charisma. To counter this, Anyabwile uses Scripture to identify what church leaders should do, what God-given qualifications they must meet, and the dangers of putting the wrong people in such positions. His work is commendable and ideally suited for current leaders, potential leaders, and the congregations they serve.

[Venkatesh G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while preaching a series on 1 Timothy 3 and found it to be very helpful. The book can serve as a commentary, a practical guide (to leadership in the church), and a devotional treatise. The book's language is simple. It is also filled with many good illustrations. My only disappointment with the book is that it had nothing to say about prayer -- something which elders are called to do regularly.

I would recommend this book to all elders and deacons and anyone aspiring to these offices.

[Patrick Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for those considering being a deacon, elder, and/or pastor. Looking at various passages in the New Testament Anyabwile walks through scripture on a basic level to consider its teaching and is specifically strong in asking character questions in light of the text. This is not only a good book to read for yourself but a good book to read with a group of men considering being, or in training for being, deacons or elders. While it is very basic, it lends to deeper level discussion in light of the manner in which it is written. A great resource!!

[Tyler Recker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful, but elementary. Perhaps that was the intent.

I usually read books like this hoping to glean a few good stories (and thereby: wisdom) and those are minimal.

At times, his experience-based advice aggravated me. Paraphrase: be careful if a guy's clothes are too trendy, it may mean he cares too much about appearance.

Also, 3 and 4 page paragraphs annoyed me, but maybe that's just my own issue.

Certainly some good nuggets in here though.

[Matt Eachus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on church leadership. Accessible, plain-language, and to-the-point, Anyabwile examines the qualifications for Elders and Deacons in a way that provides clarity and insight into this sensitive issue.

[Leandro Dutra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succint, lively & passionate exposition on the Biblical requirements for elders & deacons. Useful reading for every church member.

[James Ramelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Advertized

Already wrote my review. Not sure what happened to it or where it went. Oh well. Thankfully technology is not a qualification :)

[Tyler Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful, readable, and applicable exposition of the key passages from the pastoral epistles pertaining to elders and deacons. Anyabwile writes succinctly, vividly, and wisely. There were several helpful insights that will help me try to raise up elders/deacons in our new church plant.

One criticism is that it should have been entitled "Recognizing Faithful Elders..." instead of "Finding." That is partially the point: Anyabwile knows that officers are gifts to God's church, not something we can humanly produce. I concur. However, I was expecting the majority of the book to dig into the pastors duty to cultivate these men. How do we take a young person who we think could thrive in the offices and help him mature toward that goal? There were a few nuggets toward that end, but not much.

A second criticism is that this was written during, what I deem to be, the height of Young Restless Reformed celebrity culture-ism. I know that the author has been on his own journey distancing himself from that movement, but some of the comments about pastors attending big conferences or recommending T4G talks in the book brought up some nauseating memories.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The value of good leadership in the church goes far beyond any dollar value that we can ascribe to it. Since the days of the church’s institution God has equipped and called leaders to serve the church, serve in the church, and train leaders to continue on the work after the current leadership has moved on. Therefore, the next logical question we should be asking ourselves is: What are the qualifications of these leaders according to the Bible? Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons is Thabiti Anyabwile’s answer to this very important question. Thabiti’s book is a Bible-centered and practical exploration of the qualifications that should define the leadership in local churches. Thabiti takes his readers on a guided tour through 1 Timothy 3 and 4 while also not neglecting other pertinent passages that deal with the qualifications of both deacons and elders (as found in Acts 6 and Titus 1). Thabiti’s desire is not only to encourage Pastors, elders, and deacons to find and train others to serve in the ministry alongside them, but also provide them with the practical resources to bring honor to the God they serve.

The book is broken up into three different Parts: Part One – Finding Table Servants (Deacons); Part Two – Finding Reliable Elders; and Part Three – What Good Pastors Do . Parts One and Two are broken down into sub-chapters dealing intimately with each qualification listed in the Bible for that specific ministry. Part Three follows the listing of qualifications for both deacons and elders and focuses primarily on Titus 1:9 and 1 Timothy 4 and is a practical working out of 1 Timothy 3:15 so that Timothy would “know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth”.

One of the strengths of this book (and there are many) is the Questions and Observations that Thabiti has at the end of each chapter in all three Parts of the book. At the beginning of each chapter Thabiti goes into detail on the meanings behind the key terms in that specific text of Scripture and what those terms mean in their historical context, and then proceeds to give the reader practical questions. The questions themselves were deeply penetrating and caused me to thoroughly assess myself more times than I would care to admit.

Another strength of this book, and one that really separates it from a lot of the other preaching books out there, is the fact that Thabiti graciously reminds Pastors that they are also sheep (instead of just the Chief Under-Shepherd) in need of hearing and obeying the voice of the Chief Shepherd. The temptation to “do ministry” in your own power and wisdom is very real and extremely easy to succumb to. All pastors need daily sustenance from the Lord so that they can preach, teach, and counsel in the power not found inside themselves but through the Holy Spirit. As Thabiti so eloquently puts it:

“A good pastor must not let his study and preparation blur a clear vision of the Savior. He must not study to impress others but to see Jesus in all of his crucified humiliation and resurrected splendor. He must open the Word in faith, believing that God is and that he rewards those who seek him (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 11:6). He must open the Scriptures to listen, not to dead words but to a living God who ever speaks through his Word. The good pastor studies in order to teach so that, in teaching, the Spirit may tune everyone’s ears to the Master’s voice. Before a pastor prepares to preach, he must recognize that he is but a sheep himself, who needs to hear the Chief Shepherd’s voice (John 10:3–4, 14–16). A pastor’s study and preparation should be, in the best sense of the word, devotional. Does our study reveal personal hope in the living God?"

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons is an incredibly good book for anyone who wants a practical understanding of what the Bible has to say about the qualifications for elders and deacons by helping the people of God to identify and train men for ministry. I personally plan on re-reading this book many times over the coming years in order to continually be reminded of the seriousness of my own call to the ministry, and also to be stirred up to identify and train others to fulfill their calls to the ministry.

Disclaimer: I was provided the 9Marks Series by Logos Bible Software in exchange for an honest review. My review did not have to be positive, and I was only obligated to give my honest opinion about the 9Marks Series and Logos Bible Software.

[Ricardo Daglio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunque el libro está en el idioma inglés, pronto espero que lo podamos leer en español y por esta razón quiero igualmente escribir esta pequeña reseña. Mientras estamos enseñando y buscando comprender la naturaleza y necesidad del liderazgo en nuestra iglesia local, recordé este libro entre mis archivos de lectura y me dediqué a leerlo. Desde la primera página intuí que era un regalo de Dios para mi vida y ministerio, Thabiti M. Anyabwile dice: "Una iglesia sin líderes piadosos es una iglesia que está en peligro de extinción. Y una iglesia que no entrena líderes es una iglesia infiel. Dios da líderes a sus iglesias para la madurez, unidad y salud de cada congregación local. Sin un liderazgo piadoso, fiel y que se reproduce, las iglesias sufren profundamente" p.11. Estaba sentado en el primer banco de mi iglesia, en medio de la lectura congregacional cuando esta frase del libro fue como un Eureka espiritual y pensé: "Dios busca a los pecadores y los salva con el evangelio para formar su iglesia, ¿cómo no crees que proveerá los hombres fieles para dirigirla? Ora, busca, enseña." (de hecho quedó como un post en mi muro de Facebook (el día 4/6/2018). Luego, el resto del libro no hizo más que profundizar esta esperanza y delinear a través de todos los pasajes posibles del Nuevo Testamento cómo, dónde y qué buscar en los hombres que se precisan conforme al corazón de Dios para cada iglesia local. Todo el libro de Thabiti es aprovechable a su máximo nivel, pero si hay una cosa que me sirvió especialmente fue la tercera parte del libro. Es que el libro está dividido en tres partes: Parte 1 - dedicada a los diáconos o "los que sirven a las mesas" y cómo hallarlos y qué es lo que hay que buscar en los prospectivos diáconos para la iglesia. Parte 2 - dedicada a la búsqueda y características de los futuros ancianos-pastores. Esta sección está elaborada sobre los textos clásicos de 1 Timoteo 3 que contienen los requisitos para los ancianos. Parte 3 - está enfocada en un texto de Tito (1:9) y el resto de los capítulos se dedica a examinar 1 Timoteo 4. Esto es particularmente lo que aprecié del libro, porque cuando pensamos en cualidades para la búsqueda de ancianos, automáticamente señalamos 1 Timoteo 3 y Tito 1, pero al ignorar 1 Timoteo 4, le hacemos daño a lo que debe ser un examen más minucioso para el mejor aprovechamiento y cuidado que la iglesia debe tener a la hora de escoger sus líderes. Especialmente, porque los mismo prospectivos hombres que buscan servir en estas áreas han de tomarse el tiempo para examinar con sumo cuidado y oración estos principios delineados por el apóstol Pablo. Son capítulos especialmente útiles puesto que se enfocan en el cuidado del corazón, el alma y el carácter del siervo de Dios. Muy pero muy útil y absolutamente aprovechable en todo. Thabiti incluye citas de otros autores que son gemas preciosas que imprimen mayor seriedad y autoridad a lo que dice. Vale destacar que también hay una reiterada advertencia para velar por la sana doctrina, no solamente por la enseñanza a la congregación sino muy especialmente como algo que debe ser apreciado por un pastor. Siento que el libro también me ha pastoreado, que ha cumplido más que un rol informativo pero también de protección personal. Recomiendo a quienes puedan leer este libro (en inglés por ahora) y que disfruten, transmitan y, sobre todo, modelen en sus vidas las enseñanzas que se desprenden de un concienzudo examen bíblico de cada verdad establecida en cada uno de los capítulos.

[Justin Lonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to the application of Scripture to church life, there are three basic steps we have to follow: 1) Reading the Word, 2) interpreting it, and 3) putting it into practice. While there is no shortage of good and helpful books on the first two points, whenever someone attempts to tackle the third, there is a tendency to fill books with some combination of stories of “what worked” in the author’s own experience and programmatic “to-do” lists that ring hollow.

Thabiti Anyabwile’s Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons is a welcome arrival to this genre, precisely because it is biblically faithful, clearly written, and grounds its prescriptions for the Church in the Word alone.

Anyabwile’s simple, practical exposition of the prescient passages from the New Testament makes clear what churches are to expect from those men who serve them in the capacities of deacon and elder. Through the book’s three sections, he covers the qualifications and ministry of deacons, the qualifications of elders, and the duties and responsibilities of elders.

In the section on deacons, Anyabwile helpfully identifies the biblical model from Acts 6 of deacons as “table-servants” (diakonos) rather than a pastoral or leadership role. In this, he points out the need for churches to have dedicated, faithful men who take care of the needs of the body so that the elders and pastors can focus on the ministry of teaching the Word. He then takes several chapters to walk through the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, giving thoughtful examples of how these might be manifested in today’s culture.

The majority of the book is devoted to the leadership role of elders. In these two sections, Anyabwile interchangeably uses the term “pastors” with “elders”, showing that the qualifications and responsibilities of the office do not change whether or not those who hold it are paid for their services to a church. Similarly to the section on deacons, he walks readers through the qualifications for elders found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and then further examines the actions and responsibilities of the office using Paul’s descriptions in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 4.

As the title implies, Anyabwile’s goal for the book is not so much reexamining the qualifications and duties of church leaders (which are fairly straightforward and generally understood) as it is on helping churches recognize the qualities Paul mentions in men of today’s culture and helping them cultivate those men into the leaders God would have them to be.

I found this book to be a great encouragement to seek obedience to God’s Word in how my own church (where I serve as a deacon) selects and trains men for these two foundational church offices. It should also be a tremendous help to young churches just getting started or established bodies looking to bring their polity in line with Scripture. Beyond that, Anyabwile points out that these qualifications for office essentially describe a faithful Christian man, and are good for all church members to strive for based on Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 3:1, “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons by Thabiti Anyabwile is an excellent introduction to the topic of faithful church eldership, deaconship, and the qualifications of said leaders. In an extended meditation of 1 Timothy 3 &4, he unpacks the biblical terms in easy-to-understand language and develops practical helps for choosing men who are faithful to lead and serve the flock. Though written primarily to pastors and elders looking to add to their eldership, the book would equally helpful to a lay person who was interested in knowing more about serving as an elder or deacon.

Part 1 covers the qualifications and roles of a deacon in the church. They are primarily to care for the physical needs of the church; they are faithful, gospel men who look for areas in the church that are underserved and step in to stand in the gap.

In Part 2, Anyabwile works through each qualification of an elder laid forth by Paul to Timothy. He discusses the high view that Paul has for elders, describing it as a noble task to which the man must seek to be qualified. Elders must be well thought of by outsiders and in control of themselves, leading their families well and mature in the faith so that they are not tempted to think more of themselves than they should or be discouraged by the lies of the devil.

The final part of the book switches to the roles of the elder in the church. First and foremost, the elder must teach the Word of God. Part of this is done by refuting error where it pops up in the church and by keeping a watch over his own tongue to not repeat the myths that he may hear and filling himself with godly teaching so that he may pass it on to his congregation. He must set his hope in God rather than men, and lead his people by example by keeping watch over their own life and living the Christian life in maturity. In short, a qualified elder lives the ordinary Christian life in an extraordinary way by the power of the Spirit to lead his congregation on the path to maturity.

One of the most helpful parts of the book was the question and answer section at the end of each chapter. While many authors anticipate readers’ questions and work the answers into their writing, the benefit to the lay person reading this book is undeniable. Anyabwile posed questions that were most likely in his readers’ minds that they were of yet unaware. By making them so obvious, he made the answers easier to digest. The conclusion at the end of each chapter was also helpful to summarize the contents and make a transition to the next chapter. The chapter on not despising youth was well-written and poignant in a time when, particularly in our denomination, faithful seminaries are graduating a large number of young men and sending them forth into the ministry.

While the book was not much longer than Rinne’s on the same topic, this book seemed to handle each section with more depth and helpful examples. His illustrations were clever and fresh. The format was wonderful for those without much or any theological training, so it would be a helpful read for anyone on a pastoral search committee or for a church member who begins questioning whether or not their church should move toward a plurality of elders.

[Justin Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this little book as part of a men's leadership retreat at my church where the pastor was working to get everyone on the same page in regards to appointing elders and deacons. Anyabwile gets major points for succinctness. Each chapter is short and to-the-point. He goes verse-by-verse in the relevant sections of 1 Timothy and Titus making points and closing each chapter with a set of questions that are useful for evaluating someone for these offices.
Plenty of little books and tracts on this subject have been written over the centuries, but this one wins serious points for staying on-point with the biblical text, not drifting too far into what the Bible doesn't say, and being easy to read. Anyabwile isn't writing this book out of 30+ years of pastoral experience, much of it comes from his time under Mark Dever and other elders at Capitol Hill Baptist.
I felt there was some weakness in looking at the roles and actions Stephen and Philip in Acts who clearly were able to teach and evangelize despite maybe being considered a type of deacon but do not appear to have been elders or apostles. Anyabwile also leaves out examples of various' churches nuanced approach to deacons and the various titles. For example, Capitol Hill has titled "deacon" and "deaconess" people who may just be called "librarian" or "treasurer" or "ministry leader" in other churches. Anyabwile doesn't mention that, I think it would be interesting to much of his readership (who I assume to be mostly traditional Southern Baptists with different polity than is suggested in this text).

Essential to the IX Marks library for your church. 4.5 stars.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with pastoral wisdom and warmth, this is a welcome contribution to the literature surrounding the work of elders and deacons.

The book breaks into three parts: part one identifies deacons; parts two and three identify the elders' qualifications and duties, respectively, as laid out in 1Timothy 3 and 4. Each chapter also ends with a helpful series of practical and probing questions which help asses current or potential church leaders. (The reader would do well to think of similar questions which could apply to his own context.)

The chapters are short and offer brief meditations, rather than detailed expositions. (Humbly and helpfully, the author points the reader to some longer works which do the heavy lifting surrounding this topic.)

This would be a great tool for search committees, self-evaluations, those working through church reform, or personal discipleship. Personally, the most helpful chapters came from the last part of the book (Chs 19-28) where the author leads the reader in rich reflections on the duties laid out in 1 Timothy 4. Pure Gold.

Two minor weaknesses to note. One, the section on deacons is sparse and more suggestive rather than substantive. Two, no direct attention is paid to the unique contribution(s) of Titus 1 as relating to elder qualifications.

One unexpected treat-- "The Sample Elder Ordination Vows" in the Appendix. You'll have to buy a copy to see for yourself!

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thabiti has done an excellent work in putting together this book. It's a fairly quick read, and yet there is a lot of good stuff here. He basically goes through all the qualifications for the offices of deacon and elder. But it is far from a plain exposition of these qualifications. There is a lot of good practical advice here, even for the Christian life in general. The advice is profitable for church officers, those who are evaluating potential church officers, and, really, anyone who is a Christian and is a member in a church. As a lay person, I found it incredibly profitable.

[Michael Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of people agree that leadership in the church is important, but who should be a leader in the church? Thabiti Anyabwile offers an answer to this question and encourages for the book to be used prayerfully, practically, and pedagogically. Thabiti first considers the qualifications of deacons, then of elders, and lastly examines what good pastors do. Thabiti is convinced that “a church that does not train leaders is an unfaithful church”. He writes the book, in part, to help with a leadership deficit in the church.

[Davey Ermold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, informative, and non-technical approach to the qualifications and duties of elders and deacons as found in Paul's letters to Timothy. This would be an exceptional read for pastoral search committees, prospective elder candidates, and every seminary student on a ministerial track. I wish he would've included the information in Titus, as well, for completion's sake, but the work as it stands is incredibly insightful, helpful, and, in some cases, convicting.

[Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and practical book on screening and appointing pastors and deacons. I highly recommend this for anyone looking to appoint a new pastor and/or deacon, or for those simply desiring to better understand their calling. It is also a helpful tool for laypeople to better understand and pray for their pastors and deacons.

For Tim Challies' 2016 Reading Challenge, this is the book I read written by someone with a different ethnicity than me.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful book that I recommend to all pastor-elders as they seek to labor joyfully in ministry. Also contains practical questions to use in the search, selection, and training of elders and deacons. A book I hope to read regularly in order to check my own life and doctrine against Scripture.

[Bryan Edenfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple but solid. It's a helpful resource for describing the characteristics of deacons & elders as outlined in Scripture. While the author purposely steers away from technicalities, his applicable illustrations and descriptions of elders and deacons makes this a useful resource in examining those who desire to serve in these offices.

[Seth Mcdevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be good for anyone who is electing elders or deacons. This book is awesome for someone who is interested in becoming an Elder or a Deacon. All around biblical, useful, clear. This book has an ease of reading that is rarely found in books discussing topics like this. Very balanced. Wonderful work.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many short, helpful meditations on the passages in Timothy and Titus that describe the character and qualifications of elders and deacons. Numerous memorable illustrations and thoughtful questions to ask to help find (and become) these kinds of servants. Would definitely read again, especially with someone else.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite outstanding, really! This book is truly a wonderful handling of this subject. Churches must appoint deacons and elders. Elders are to help train up other elders. Churches should be the training area for the next generation of church leaders. This book gives great Scriptural advice relative to all of this, and more. It's thorough enough and easy to read. Highly recommend.

[Bryant Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best accessible book on elder and deacon qualifications and responsibilities

An incredibly helpful and encouraging study in the qualifications and responsibilities of deacons and elders, written in a very refreshing, easy-to-read style. An important read for all Christians, whether or not they're currently serving as a deacon or elder.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must- read for any pastor or lay- elder

I'm a church member concerned about those in church leadership. I am highly recommending this as a yearly read for pastors, elders, and deacons. If we are concerned with a church being strong and biblical, we must regularly teach and remind ourselves what church leadership looks like, acts like, and thinks like.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a helpful practical resource. I have a few quibbles with it, which I suspect mostly stem from the fact that the author is a Baptist. Also the author holds to a two office (deacon/elder) view, whereas I believe the Bible teaches three offices (deacon/ruling elder/teaching elder). Aside from those few things, this is a great guide to finding future church officers.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid primer on the ministry of the deacon and elder. Very readable. The author employs numerous questions as a teaching method and does so effectively. This would make an excellent book to go through with church leaders.